Wrongful Termination

Understanding your rights

Under California law, employment is generally presumed to be “at will,” which allows an employer to end employment for many reasons, or for no stated reason at all. California law does, however, place important limits on that freedom.

A termination may be unlawful in California when it is based on a characteristic protected by California law, comes in response to legally protected activity, violates a fundamental public policy, or breaks the terms of an employment contract. Whether a particular termination is unlawful depends on the specific facts and the laws that apply.

Matters we handle

• Terminations connected to discrimination based on a protected characteristic
• Terminations following a complaint, report or other protected activity
• Terminations connected to requesting or taking protected leave
• Terminations for refusing to participate in unlawful conduct
• Constructive discharge, where working conditions became intolerable
• Breach of an employment contract or written company policy

How the firm can help

1. 01

   Review the facts

   Evaluate what happened, the documents involved and the laws that may apply.

2. 02

   Negotiate

   Communicate with the employer or its counsel on your behalf.

3. 03

   File claims

   Handle administrative filings and lawsuits where appropriate.

4. 04

   Litigate

   Represent you through mediation, arbitration or trial.